[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 67 (Tuesday, May 6, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E678]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          EXPATRIATE HEALTH COVERAGE CLARIFICATION ACT OF 2014

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. CHRIS VAN HOLLEN

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 29, 2014

  Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to the latest 
version of H.R. 4414, the Expatriate Health Coverage Clarification Act 
of 2014. I want to commend my colleague John Carney on his efforts to 
address the needs of expatriate health care plans and to ensure that 
the jobs created by managing these plans remain in the United States. 
However, the bill, in its current form, would create more problems than 
it resolves. As you know, the Affordable Care Act established new 
coverage standards and protections for millions of Americans, including 
that they cannot be denied coverage for preexisting conditions nor have 
their benefits capped at arbitrary annual and lifetime limits. 
Unfortunately, the bill contains potential loopholes that could weaken 
coverage for many families and immigrant workers who live in the United 
States. While I do believe the text of the bill has been improved since 
its initial consideration, there is still more work to be done. 
According to the Statement of Administration Policy, the Administration 
echoes our concerns and it remains willing to work with Congress to 
find a reasonable solution. I hope my colleagues in the Senate will 
make the necessary changes in order to resolve this matter as quickly 
as possible.

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